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Half-Time Report: Atletico Madrid frustrating Barcelona

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid play out a goalless first half in their La Liga clash at the Vicente Calderon.

Barcelona have been unable to break down the Atletico Madrid defence in a goalless first half at the Vicente Calderon.

The visitors lined up without Lionel Messi, who was named on the bench after missing training this week due to the birth of his child, but they dominated possession from the first whistle as Atletico looked to limit the space on offer.

Lionel Messi watches on from the bench as Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid on September 12, 2015© Getty Images

It was not long before a chance arrived as Andres Iniesta picked out Ivan Rakitic, whose powerful strike forced Jan Oblak to push the ball to safety.

A mistake at the other end almost handed Atletico the lead against the run of play, but Fernando Torres could only shoot over after intercepting a poor pass from Javier Mascherano.

Barcelona continued to look the more dangerous, however, and they wasted the best opportunity of the first half when an unmarked Luis Suarez could only volley against the crossbar from close range after Rakitic had flicked on a corner.

Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen views with Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres on September 12, 2015© AFP

Frustration would become anger for Suarez at the end of another Barcelona attack as Neymar twice decided against picking out the Uruguayan before seeing two efforts blocked.

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Lionel Messi of Barcelona holds off a challenge from Ever Banega of Sevilla during the UEFA Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Dinamo Arena on August 11, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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